Communications Specialist

Salary :

$31.75 - $40.05 Hourly

Location :

Inver Grove Heights, MN

Job Type : Full-time Benefited

Job Number : 2025-00045

Department : Administration

Division : Communications

Opening Date : 10 / 20 / 2025

Closing Date :

11 / 6 / 2025 4 : 30 PM Central

Position Description

The City of Inver Grove Heights is seeking an experienced and capable professional for its Communications Specialist position. Creativity, strong project management capabilities, the ability to use critical thinking skills, to practice sound judgement and to work independently are essential to success in this role. This is a fulltime benefited (AFSCME union) position. The 2025 pay range is $31.75 to $40.05 / hr.

Under the direction of the Communications Manager, the Communications Specialist is responsible for coordinating and implementing communications for the City of Inver Grove Heights, which includes supporting the communication efforts of all City departments, including Administration, Finance, Police, Fire, Public Works, Parks and Recreation and Community Development. Assists the Communications Manager in providing marketing and communications support for citywide programs and initiatives, with a focus on social media, publications, City events, and the City website.

Essential Job Functions

Assists the Communications Manager in ensuring the consistent application of the City's Communication Plan throughout the organization, including accessibility, branding, style guides, messaging and tone. Creates, reviews, and / or recommends consistent communications and public relations strategies that align with City goals.

Posts to social media sites (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Nextdoor) for the City or departments as assigned, including creation of site content (e.g., text, graphics and video) with proper tone / intent. Responds to questions / comments from the public and staff.

Manages the City's website in coordination with the Communications Manager.

Creates content : text, graphics and video.

Makes content interactive and easy to navigate.

Monitors and updates site information.

Utilizes content management software to organize and structure sections of the website.

Implements website accessibility guidelines.

Drafts marketing materials including post cards, trifolds, flyers, brochures, posters, letterhead, forms, and reports.

Distributes and promotes department programs and services through mailings, email, and internal marketing or other sources. Collaborates with department staff and managers to gather materials and compile information necessary to complete projects. Responds to communications project requests.

Assists the Communications Manager in the coordination and creation of the Insights newsletter and other printed materials. Coordinates with printing vendors as assigned.

Monitors and responds to requests and inquiries submitted to the Communication Division's email inbox.

Creates and is responsible for maintaining and updating City meetings, events and editorial calendars.

Completes communications projects as assigned and provides back-up assistance to the Communications Manager to ensure timely communications to the public, including posting of press releases and other timely information on social media.

Acts as City photographer / videographer as assigned.

Helps with the planning of City and partner-sponsored special events and assists with set-up. Attends events, interacts with the public and takes pictures and video at events as assigned.

Performs other duties of a comparable level or type, as apparent or assigned.

Qualifications

Required qualifications :

A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, English or a closely related field and 3 years of experience in organizational communications or marketing, or an equivalent combination of education and experience to perform the work. Advanced knowledge and proficiency in social media platforms is required. A valid driver's license and the ability to attend events, as assigned.

Desired qualifications :

Additional years of related work experience.

Government communications experience.

Ability to use good judgement and work independently.

Experience working with Civic Plus content management software (CMS) and Hootsuite.

Prior experience in a communications role with a city, county, or state agency.

Knowledge of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.

Experience creating graphics using software such as Canva.

Ability to speak or write in a second language in addition to English that has a presence in the community (e.g., Spanish, Hmong, Somali).

Experience in event planning and coordination.

Knowledge of the newest WCAG accessibility guidelines and how to make documents and webpages accessible.

Experience managing vendor relationships, including print vendors and / or suppliers of branded merchandise.

A passion for public service.

A genuine desire to connect with, assist and serve residents and other stakeholders.

Organized.

Adaptable and able to pivot quickly as new assignments emerge.

Supplemental Information

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

Skilled in the fundamentals and practices of digital marketing, social media, and communications management.

Knowledge of principles, techniques, methods and approaches to marketing design, implementation and analysis.

Knowledge of principles, techniques, and approaches to graphic design, photography, videography and print management.

Knowledge of the City of Inver Grove Heights communication plan and vision, and the mission, objectives and goals in alignment with that plan.

Knowledge of social media and outreach techniques.

Knowledge of website design, maintenance, and accessibility.

Knowledge of Microsoft Office software (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams).

Proficiency in design and social media management software (Canva, Hootsuite, Adobe Creative Suite).

Knowledge of website content management systems (Civic Plus).

Advanced knowledge of AP Style and its use; correct grammar.

Ability to manage social media and websites to promote, inform and market programs, services, and amenities of City departments.

Advanced communication, presentational, and writing skills.

Ability to effectively work with others to gain cooperation and understanding of marketing and communications issues / needs / initiatives consistent with the objectives and vision of the City.

Ability to train staff on the usage of website and communications-related software.

Ability to make sound recommendations to staff concerning marketing and communication efforts and approaches.

Ability to apply good judgment when communicating on behalf of the City.

Ability to capture and use photos and videos to create digital content.

Ability to implement and coordinate public relations and communications programs, events and initiatives.

Excellent project and time management skills.

Advanced skill in writing, editing, producing copy and communicating department initiatives and programs to the public.

Ability to perform desktop publishing, layout, design, photography and print management.

Ability in utilizing and operating web-based and graphic design software and applications.

Work Environment :

Work is of an administrative nature. Duties are performed primarily in a City office setting, where there are minimal hazards and risks associated with the performance of assigned responsibilities. Occasional driving required, such as to coordinate events and take photos.

Physical Job Requirements :

Employee uses hands and fingers dexterously to handle or feel continuously; frequently sits, talks, hears and listens ; on occasion stoops, kneels and / or crouches in the performance of the job. Exerting up to 25 lbs. pounds of force occasionally, and / or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Ability to operate a vehicle / drive.

The City of Inver Grove Heights offers a competitive benefit package including but not limited to Health Insurance, Flexible Compensation (cafeteria plan for use toward employee premiums with excess (if any) paid to employee), Vacation Leave, Personal Leave (or Sick Leave for Police Officers), Holiday pay, Life insurance, Long-term Disability Insurance, Minnesota Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA) Retirement benefits, and Employee Assistance Programs. Optional Dental, Vision, Short-term Disability Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, and Deferred Compensation Plans also offered. Part-time benefit contributions are prorated, and all union benefits levels are subject to negotiated contracts.

Follow this link for more details on our insurance plans :

01

How many years of experience do you have in Communications?

Less than 4

4 to less than 7

7 to less than 10

10 or more

02

Have you worked in or with a communications department?

Yes, as an employee

Yes, as a consultant

Yes, both as an employee and as a consultant over the course of my career.

No, neither

03

Do you have a degree in communications or a related field?

Yes

No

04

Do you have experience in government communications?

Yes

No

05

Are you proficient in Hootsuite?

Yes

No

06

Do you have experience with a website CMS? If not, type No. If yes, indicate which one.

07

Are you proficient in Canva?

Yes

No

08

Are you proficient in writing copy that adheres to AP Style guidelines?

Yes

No

09

Do you have working knowledge of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act?

Yes

No

10

Do you have photography and / or videography experience?

Yes

No

11

Do you have event planning experience?

Yes

No

12

Are you willing to work during occasional evening and / or weekend community meetings and events?

Yes

No

13

Do you have experience managing a printing vendor relationship?

Yes

No

14

Do you have experience creating / sourcing branded merchandise (swag)?

Yes

No

Required Question